This little set of workout books gives you four weeks of workouts in a handy binder that you can take to the gym. The pages are laminated so that you can “glow” all over them, and they are filled with tips, tricks, photos of the exercises and clear directions of exactly what to do for cardio and strength. Available in three fitness levels—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—it really is like having your own trainer right there for a full month.

The company sent me its advanced My Gym Trainer book, and I was super impressed. Each week had a new theme of sorts (mastering the Smith Machine, compound movements, intervals, etc.), and the workouts weren’t playing. Definitely advanced, the hour-plus workouts included a nice mix of strength and cardio six days a week. From running on the treadie at an 8-mph pace to squat jumps and hanging knee raises, it’s not for the faint of fitness heart (or those without six-plus hours a week to dedicate to fitness). I do wish the books included a proper and planned out warm-up and cool down, and you pretty much have to be at a gym with a wide range of equipment for every workout, but those are the only complaints I have.

If you’re not a gym rat though, don’t despair! The company also has little add-on packs for workouts in the great outdoors, at home and even one for kids. If you’re someone who feels clueless when it comes to working out and can’t afford a trainer, this is the perfect solution! —Jenn

Thanks, Jenn! SO GLAD you like the workouts! I love ’em and alternate between My Gym Trainer 2 & My Gym Trainer 3, because I’ve found that the circuits in MGT2 adjust to your level by virtue of the weight you choose and the cardio is still a challenge, or, you can rev it up a bit. But, alternating between the two books keeps it more interesting into my 2nd year with them.

But YES! If you can afford a personal trainer for part of the time? Go for it! Can’t replace a good one with anything. If you can’t? My Trainer Fitness workouts to go!